What to Pack in Carry-on Luggage: 19 things you shouldn’t forget

Figuring out what to pack in carry-on luggage can be a real challenge, especially with airlines tightening their restrictions. Mastering your carry-on essentials can save you a world of hassle, even if you have checked luggage.

When you choose the right bag and pack it effectively, you set yourself up for smoother travels and a more enjoyable journey.

After 12 years of globetrotting to over 25 countries, I’ve picked up some invaluable tips that I’m excited to share with you to make your travel experience as seamless as possible.

Since you’re embarking on an international trip, chances are you have a checked bag in tow. It’s not just a convenience; it’s an opportunity to bring back all those special souvenirs and goodies you collect along the way!

Now, if your adventure involves backpacking through Turkey, this particular post might not be your best fit; stay tuned for my upcoming article on that topic.

Today, we’ll focus on how to make the most of your carry-on luggage so that you can enjoy your trip to your destination. Let’s dive in and explore what type of bag will best suit your needs to get started!

Carry-on style options

This is completely subjective. I know many who will argue for a roller carry-on. Some for a hard shell and others for a soft one. And yet others still vote for a backpack style.

Until recently, I would have argued that the Osprey Porter was the best option. If you’re young or it isn’t very heavy, it is an excellent option! It has been my constant travel companion for years.

But as I get older, I have grown to value the comfort of rolling my bag behind me and not having the weight on my shoulders. That being said, they can be more difficult to get into mid-flight.

So let’s look at the options.

Softshell

Softshell rollers allow for a bit more flexibility and have great durability. If it has to go in a slightly smaller space, the soft shell may fit better and easier than a hard shell.

But they also can hold more stuff. If you have to check it for whatever reason, the give of the fabric helps it last through the trip typically, at least in my experience.

Travel Pro suitcases are one of the best both soft and hard shell suitcases because they were made with input from flight attendants.

Backpacks/Duffels

Backpack carry-ons are your third option. I am not talking about a normal backpack or a duffel, though both are popular options.

I am specifically talking about the Osprey Porter of which I am a huge fan for so many reasons.

Firstly, this bag comes in 30L, 40L, and 70L sizes. The smallest two are perfect for a carry-on though the 40L can be too big for some airlines. Make sure you check the specs for the airlines you will be flying.

Pro tip: If you will also be in Asia, opt for the smaller one as most have a max length of 21″.

Secondly, this isn’t like any other backpack. This bag is brilliant because it opens up in such a way that the entire length can be accessed. You can pack it more like a duffel bag but wear it like a backpack.

Thirdly, especially in Turkey, where the roads are often cobblestone or not so smooth, it is so nice to not have to roll a bag around.

I don’t know how many times I have tripped just walking and can’t imagine having to do that with a roller bag as well.

The first time I came to Turkey my best friend brought a roller and I brought my backpack. The entire time, she regretted having the roller.

If you’re taking an airport transfer or a taxi then it is a moot point but the goal is to assess what you will actually need on the trip.

Now that we have that all sorted out, let’s talk about what should go in the bag.

1. Your medicine

It is good to keep your medicines on your person when you travel.

While it doesn’t happen all the time, things can go missing from luggage and if it is something you need, you could find yourself in a bad situation.

Also, make sure you keep them in their bottles as much as possible. This will ensure that your medicine appears legitimate instead of like a shady drug deal.

Every so often you will be selected for a more in-depth check and then it is especially helpful if you don’t have random pills in baggies in your bag.

You can also check out this blog post on medicines in Turkey to figure out how you can replace something you forgot or need to grab.

2. Travel documents

Make sure you have printed out a copy of all your reservations, insurance, vaccination card, and E-visa.

Pro tip: Americans and many other countries no longer need to apply for a visa to enter for 90 days. Check the list here.

These will be good to have easily accessible as you will need your e-visa and passport when you enter the country.

It is also good to have a color copy of your passport as well as a backup digital copy somewhere that you can access.

Things happen and if you lose your passport, it is good to have a copy for getting a new one reissued.

3. jewelry, “can’t lose these”, or expensive things

It is safe to say, you never travel with valuables in your checked luggage, especially if they are small and can stay with you. This includes things like your jewelry, house keys, laptops, etc.

When visiting Turkey, I would even say that it is best not to bring super nice stuff with you anyway. Of course, bring nice things but don’t bring that one ring your grandma gave you on her deathbed.

This is not because it will get stolen so much as the more money you show off, the more attention you will attract and set yourself up to be taken advantage of.

As a foreigner, it isn’t always the best tactic to draw attention to yourself like this. Especially right now in this economic crisis.

Best to bring simple jewelry with you and maybe pick up a few new pieces here.

For something like your keys, make sure they are clipped in and can’t fall out. If your checked luggage gets lost, you want to still get back in your house when you get back.

If you do have something in your checked luggage, make sure you put a TSA lock on it. I had a friend bring me a large external monitor (think big tablet) and I told him to put it in his carry-on.

He put it in his checked back and didn’t lock it and it totally got stolen. He paid me to replace it because he couldn’t prove it was stolen.

You also have to put any CPAP or medical machines in your carry-on.

4. phone holder

This is a great small item to bring with you if you are going to watch anything on your phone.

Sometimes airlines have a little stand built into the back of the seat in front of you but if they don’t, you’re stuck holding the phone the whole time or looking down in an uncomfortable.

This is a great one that you can attach in a variety of ways so it will be able to be used regardless of where you find yourself.

But of course, on international flights, there are all kinds of great options on your personal screen as well.

5. charger cable & battery

A charger cable for your headphones and phone is essential. You can find charging stations throughout airports and most airplanes have an outlet at each seat which is helpful.

But sometimes all the charging stations are so full and the plane doesn’t have an outlet for you to charge. In that case, it is always a good idea to travel with an external battery.

Be aware that on take-off and landing, they will not let you use it so make sure you don’t plug in until after you take off.

Pro tip: did you know that it is terrible for your phone to plug it in to charge and remove it regularly? Every time you remove it from the charger, it is called a cycle and your phone battery is only good for so many cycles.

6. change of clothes

Make sure you keep a change of clothes in your carry-on. You never know what will happen and if your luggage does get lost, it is nice to have a backup outfit with you so you can feel fresh and put together.

Also, plans change and things happen. At the time of writing, we are getting ready to have a major snowstorm here in Istanbul.

People are planning to come to Istanbul all the time but with a storm like this may get stuck in the airport for a day or so.

Make sure you’re prepared.

7. anti-bacterial wipes

In a previous post on how to be more comfortable on an international flight, I talked about the importance of cleaning your area.

I really like these wipes because they are small and individually wrapped. This makes them especially convenient to pack in your carry-on or a small bag.

They can easily be used to clean your areas or hands.

I am also a huge fan of kolonya, which you will discover when you come to Turkey, but there is something about a wipe that is much more helpful sometimes.

Make sure you get your kolonya wipes while you’re here!

8. Basic toiletries

Flying really dehydrates you. To make sure you stay fresh and ready for the day ahead, bring along a small pack of face wipes and a small thing of moisturizer.

Whether you slept like a champ and your mascara shows it or you stayed up the whole flight on a movie marathon and just need to freshen up a bit, face wipes are an easy way to do that.

Make sure you get some good all-natural ones to feel clean without weird residual products on your face.

On international flights, they give you a travel toothbrush and a small thing of toothpaste, but I prefer my own. It is nice to have them to freshen up before going on with the day.

And lastly, don’t forget the deodorant. You’ll thank me later.

9. glasses

If you wear contacts, then you know the problem of dry eyes. Airplanes are one of the worst places to wear contact lenses. You may want to bring some eye drops if you have exceptionally dry eyes.

We previously talked about how airplanes dehydrate you and that you should drink a ton of water. When it comes to your eyes, it is probably best that you wear your glasses and save your eyes from the pain of drying out.

Whether that means you bring a contact container with some solution in it or you just wear glasses from the get, either will be a better option than wearing contacts on the plane, especially if you plan to sleep at all.

These lens-cleaning clothes are my favorite for keeping my glasses fresh and clean.

10. wallet & Cards

Make sure you have your driver’s license, passport, credit/debit cards, and insurance cards in your wallet. It is also good to have a little bit of USD cash (or Euro) in your wallet.

While every country has its own currency, both Euros and Dollars are internationally recognized and traded currencies.

Also depending on where else you’re going, a nice wallet with RFID protection is a good option. Technology is amazing until it is used against us.

There are now scanners out there that will scan the magnetic side of the card without you even knowing it.

This is my favorite wallet because it has multiple security features but also doubles as a clutch sometimes.

I can carry my phone, normal wallet stuff, and Burt’s Bees in it for a night on the go or a quick run somewhere.

11. snacks & Water

International flights are pretty good about meals on planes. They stopped for a while during the pandemic but are back on track with it as far as I know.

That being said, sometimes you just want something different or maybe don’t like the options given to you. Sometimes I snack cause I am bored on a flight. #don’tjudgeme

Trail mixes are a great option cause they pack in some good fat and protein which will help you feel full longer. You can get generally healthy versions as well as more indulgent ones.

Another great snack option is some fruit, especially something with naturally high levels of vitamins which will help boost your immune system as you sit in a tin can with hundreds of other people crossing the pond.

I also always bring some gum, especially for take-off and landing…it helps with the ears-popping thing.

Also don’t forget your water bottle to stay hydrated! Check out my full review of Epic Water Filters and why it is your best option.

You can read all about their initiatives to help the environment here.

12. Mini emergency kit

This is an item I never really thought to care about but have been so incredibly glad I had it when I needed it. I like this first aid kit but would add a few random things to it such as:

• Mini sewing kit – I have lost a button or ripped a hole a couple of times…enough to know it has come in handy.
• Allergy pills – if you don’t have allergies or never use them, leave them out.
• Cortisone creme – this has been handy a couple of times if you get bit by something or come in contact with something that causes irritation.
• Nail file & clippers – I know you just had your nails done but stuff happens. Make sure you clip them and file them if you break a nail.
• Floss – I feel like there is almost nothing worse than having food stuck in my teeth for 24 hours from door to door.
• Pain pills – I always carry a couple of Aleve with me just in case I get a headache or something.
• Sleeping pills/melatonin – to help you catch some zzzs on the plane or when you land.
• Anything else you would need potentially?

A lot of these things I would normally carry in my purse and have found them helpful to pack in my carry-on when I travel.

13. a pen

One of the most under-provided items on a plan is a pen. When flying internationally, you often have to fill out a customs form and need a pen to do so but the flight attendants don’t always have a pen to give you.

Save yourself the headache and make sure one is handy. This also goes along with the next point.

14. journal/book

I love to use my time on the plane as productively as possible at least a few of the hours. I usually start out being productive and end by not being productive at all.

So I will start with a book I have been wanting to read or journal about life. Maybe even doing a sodoku or other puzzle.

Either way, I find I will have some great ideas on the plane because I have a chance to just stop. I am not moving around and things are coming to mind.

Having a journal on hand allows me to easily capture those thoughts pretty quickly. Having a book gives my eyes a break from all the screens and lets my eyes rest a little.

15. Headphones

Don’t forget headphones. Make sure you have the kind that can plug in if you normally use Bluetooth so you can use them with the TV in front of you.

While you can use your own headphones on the plane, there isn’t the ability to use a wireless connection with the plane’s screens. Something like these will allow you to utilize both Bluetooth and auxiliary connections.

Obviously, if you’re planning to use your phone or computer, you can use your wireless headphones just fine. Just make sure you bring something that will be comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

16. Eye mask/earplugs

If you will sleep at all, these are two essentials that will make it just a little more comfortable.

I have never been able to really sleep on a plane. I always joke that I am good at so many things but sleeping on planes isn’t one of them.

But even when I do try to rest, I will pop in some earbuds with some soothing music, put on my eye mask, and just rest.

It’s helpful enough that I can make it till I get to a real bed. I definitely love this mask as it protects my eyes from the post-sleep raccoon look.

These loop knockoff earplugs cut out the peripheral noise pretty well if I don’t want to wear my headphones.

17. computer

While people do it, I don’t recommend keeping your computer in your checked luggage. Plus I like to be able to work on the endless sorting of photos that needs to be done. 😬

You can load movies or books on your computer instead of your phone. I often like to do this because the screen is much bigger than my phone.

They often even have charging spots for normal plugs, though not always. So make sure you bring your charger with you!

18. sunglasses

It’s so glorious landing and arriving in Turkey. A new adventure is beginning and the excitement builds.

But as you leave the dark plane and step into the sunshine, you’re likely going to want your sunglasses pretty immediately.

Not to mention, they will much more easily be broken in your checked luggage as bags are tossed to and fro in the loading and unloading.

Make sure you get a good hard case for them, especially for travel.

19. Sweater and socks

On international flights, it can get quite chilly. Make sure you have a sweater or something you can put on to stay warm and socks on your feet.

They give you blankets to use but they aren’t always the most hygienic. If you don’t have to use them, I wouldn’t.

Also if you’re prone to swelling in your feet and legs, make sure you wear some good compression socks on the plane. This will help keep you more comfortable.

You can read more about some exercises to do as well in this article to help you have a better international flight.

Final thoughts on what to pack in your carry-on

While packing your carry-on effectively might seem daunting, it’s essential for ensuring a smooth travel experience, especially if you encounter delays or lost luggage.

Thinking through what you might need for a 24- to 28-hour journey is crucial. Being prepared will save you from being stranded without the essentials!

As you pack, consider organizing the items you know you’ll need during the flight into a smaller bag that fits at your feet. Keep items like your eye mask, snacks, electronics, and headphones easily accessible.

It’s great to stretch your legs, but you don’t want to be constantly rummaging through your larger bag.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Is there a must-have item you always pack in your carry-on that I might have missed?